This wonderfully informative book is a selection of various research papers that were published by the American Quilt Study Group in their annual journal "Uncoverings" during the 1980s. The articles are grouped into six subtopics: Pattern Development and Distribution, Quilts and Quiltmakers in Early America, Wars and the Work of Women, Textiles and Tools, Many Hands: Group Quilting, and finally, Shifting Functions: Quiltmakers in the Twentieth Century. The individual articles are extensively researched, well written, colorfully illustrated and provide complete footnotes at the end for those who would like to do further reading. In many cases, the research included personal interviews and examination of personal correspondence.The American Quilt Study Group was founded in 1980 by Sally Garoutte of Mill Valley, California with the purpose of fostering accurate research on American quilts and was run out of her home for the first eight years of its existence. A group of about 50 people met in November of 1980 and the organization has since grown to about 1000 members strong.
Prior to reading this book, I had no understanding of the role that quiltmaking has played in American culture and society since colonial times. The articles that were selected represent a wide range of dates and interests. I was especially impressed by the detailed piecing of the Primitive Hall Quilt made in Chester County, Pennsylvania in 1842. Also, I thoroughly enjoyed the section on quiltmaking during the Civil War and during the aftermath and recovery in Europe from World War II.
If you are at all interested in the history of quilting in America, this is a must read.
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